UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
BY GALÁPAGOS NATIVES
The wild side of Isabela
NEW EXCLUSIVE Cormorant Beach Tour
We offer the only online booking service for the best of the few boats with permission to visit Playa de los Cormoranes (Cormorant Beach), a hidden gem on the west coast of Isabela Island. This type of remote sanctuary of towering cliffs and virgin beaches is only found in Western Isabela and until recently was accessible only to cruise ships. This newly opened visitor site exclusively welcomes land-based day trip adventurers who enjoy the wonders of nature.
Get ready to meet the impressive Galápagos flightless cormorant (only place found on Earth is W. side of Isabela) and enjoy the antics of the popular Galápagos penguins (largest colony in Galápagos on W side of Isabela) that inhabit this lava-filled zone with turquoise waters surrounded by abundant marine life such as tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles.
In addition, during the journey, we may observe the orca whales, fur seals more rare to find in Galápagos.....(more)
EXPERIENCES
Expedition Cruises
See the “original” Galapagos much like Charles Darwin did in 1835 to inspire his theory of evolution. Live-on-board expedition cruises are opposite of what most of us think of when we hear “cruises”. Locally-owned yachts We recommend are only 16 passengers, feature 2-4 excursions per day at different mostly uninhabited islands that are only open to cruise travelers. Tell us your dream endemic species to see & we’ll find the island itineraries in your season of travel. Captain Walter selects yachts for you based on reputation for service and safety. We also help guests find specialty cruises such as sportfishing, SCUBA and day yacht tours.
Land-Based Tours
For travelers on more limited budget or like more flexibility in their schedule as much prioritizing what they will see in Galapagos. Usually based from one of four populated islands starting with Santa Cruz Island since located in the center with speedboat or inter-island flights to Isabela & San Cristobal Islands as your time allows. Santa Cruz has the best selection of day yacht cruises we always recommend to at least one uninhabited island to get a taste of the most pristine Galapagos ecosystem as well as see examples of unique endemic species found on each island.
Custom Group Tours
You name an interest; we can design your Galapagos experience with that theme in mind. Students of all ages interested in biology, wildlife, marine life, environmental sustainability, even Spanish language can be hosted by local subject matter experts interspersed with the explorations of Galapagos of most interest to your group. Whether high school, college, retired, particular kind of sport (snorkel, scuba, biking, yoga, etc.) or you name it--we would be pleased to design a tour around your group’s interests and capabilities.
Why choose us?
Authentic journeys
start with local hosts
The founders of Galápagos Local Tours have over 80 years of experience in Galápagos.
We have family, friends & partners working across Galápagos in all sectors from tourism to government & non-profits giving us up-to-minute insider knowledge to create "how the natives would do it" custom tour experience.
ABOUT US
Guest Stories
I researched a Galapagos trip for my group of senior ladies extensively. At the last minute, Amy & Walter with Galapagos Local Tours were able to add so much more to our experience with their local knowledge.
Helene Y., Oregon, USA
Walter & Amy designed a group experience over several years for our summer high school/college students that exceeded any trip we had done in the past. They kept our active group challenged with a good variety of hands-on activities including interactions with local experts to learn about the unique wildlife Galapagos species & efforts to protect them.
Evan Killeen, Executive Director of Lincoln Children’s Zoo
Our large family group of 10 had a dream trip to Galapagos on the yacht that Amy and Walter recommended. The boat was fantastic! And the crew & guide were awesome & professional. We had the best time!
Denise Y., California, USA
Ready to dive in? It's never too early to start exploring
what is your ideal Galápagos adventure.
Whether you have a couple questions or are ready to finalize your plans--
just give us a call, email or text. We'd be happy to help!